Green Bay Packers: 12 Quick Observations from Week 1 Blowout Loss
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers offensive line
The Packers had Josh Myers and Royce Newman making their debuts against a stout Saints front-seven, and New Orleans was able to find some success, generating a pair of sacks and seven quarterback hits, according to ESPN. Although Rodgers would say that he thought the offensive line played well overall—which I tend to agree with.
In the run game, Aaron Jones would average just 1.8 yards per carry on five attempts and Kylin Hill only 2.8 yards per rush on five carries. Dillon found a little success, but as already discussed, the Packers chose to abandon the run game relatively early, and none of the ball carriers had the opportunity to get going.
The Saints get paid to play too
Sometimes you just have to tip your cap. The Saints came ready to play despite dealing with some hardships outside of football in recent weeks, and the Green Bay Packers simply did not. Sean Payton drew up a very good gameplan on offense while Winston’s decision-making as a passer looked greatly improved from when we last saw him as the Buccaneers starter in 2019. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was also very good, as was this Saints team overall.
It’s only one game
Yes, this sucked. There really isn’t one positive to take away from this performance. With that said, it’s one game in a 17 game schedule. Chances are each team is going to have a stinker at some point, and unfortunately for the Packers, this one came Week 1. Now we wait to see how they respond.
And if it makes you feel any better, Tampa Bay lost to New Orleans 38-3 last season as well.